West Ham's season has flipped from bleak to hopeful. After a 2-1 home loss to Nottingham Forest left them seven points from safety and on a 10-game winless run, survival seemed impossible. But three straight wins, including a dominant 3-1 victory over Sunderland, have dragged them within two points of 17th place and increased pressure on rivals.

Captain Jarrod Bowen was again the talisman, scoring from the penalty spot and providing an assist. His goal involvement moved him past Michail Antonio for the most in club history. New signings have allowed him to play his preferred position, while the attack has finally found rhythm, scoring three goals in a superb first half against the Black Cats.

Despite the scoring surge, West Ham's defense remains the division's worst, having failed to keep a single clean sheet all season. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has at least stopped the rot and eased pressure on his position. The upcoming fixtures are daunting, with clashes against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool before February ends, but the belief has returned.